The layout of Flagstar Bank Freestone National will challenge all riders, especially the always-changing sand whoops known as the "12-pack." The technical track, combined with the temperatures forecasted to be near a sweltering 100 degrees, will create for much competition.

450 MX

During the season opener in Hangtown, Reed won the opening moto and finished third in the second moto, giving him the overall win. The Australian missed most of the AMA Supercross season after crashing with his rival James Stewart in Round 2, but had much time to recover for the outdoor series. He currently has 45 points.

But only two points behind is Jagermeister KTM rider Mike Alessi, who had a 4-1 finish at Hangtown. Running the new KTM 350 SX-F, Alessi had some extra track time competing in another series last Memorial Weekend, as most riders were relaxing.

The Victorville, Calif., native raced with the Europeans during the FIM Motocross USGP, finishing second behind the other KTM rider in the series, Tony Cairoli. Besides his extra practice, Alessi also has one more advantage on his side – during last year’s race, he swept both motos.

Sitting in third in the championship is Honda Red Bull Racing rider Davi Millsaps, who had a 3-2 finish at Hangtown. The Murrieta, Californian is only one point behind Alessi.

Garnering much criticism, AMA SX champion Ryan Dungey didn’t do too well at Hangtown. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki finished 10-6, placing him in eight in the championship.

250 MX

In the 250 class, Tomac became the first rider to taste victory in his professional debut as he won moto 2. This, combined with third in moto 1 and finished third in moto 1, place the Cortez, Colo., native and his CRF250F in first in the championship with 45 points. But he’s not the only leader; tied for first is Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Christophe Pourcel, the 2010 Supercross East Lites Champion.

The rider from Florida also took a podium and won a race, but in opposite order of Tomac. In the opening race, Tomac had a strong lead over the field, but an error dropped him back to third and Pourcel took the win.

Pourcel won the first moto last year, and placed second in moto 2. But he didn’t get the overall win due to then-250 class rider Dungey, who had reverse results but took the overall win by virtue of winning moto 2.

Tomac’s teammate Trey Canard had a 7-2 finish at Hangtown, placing him in third with 36 points. Canard got the holeshot in moto 1, but fell back to finish in seventh. His second-place finish in moto 2 gave him third overall for the season opener in Hangtown.